Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Paying it Forward

Paying it Forward: Inspired by my Apprentice

When I
started in organic chemistry, my mentor agreed to train me on one
condition.That is, that I would
unselfishly share all of the skills and knowledge that I obtain with other
chemists – so called “paying it forward”. I always wondered when or if I would be in the
position to pass on the skills, tips, and hood tricks that I have collected
over the years to an apprentice. I wasn’t sure if or when I’d be a mentor but I
just hoped I would do a good job. After
all, I would be teaching someone habits and skills that they will most likely
carry with them throughout their career – it’s a big responsibility! Recently, the time came for me to share my
skills and knowledge with a bright young mind.

For the
past couple months, I have had the pleasure of working with a very special young
man, Jason Ge.Jason is a high school
student here in San Diego at Westview High School. But he isn’t an ordinary
student by any means.Jason has
represented the US in the prestigious International Chemistry Olympiad and can
write the mechanism of the Boger Pyridine Synthesis with his eyes closed (No, I’m
not kidding!).

Last
week, I came to know that Jason has started his own non-profit organization
called “catalyst4success”. Each day,
Jason and his team of fellow high school students travel to surrounding
elementary, middle, and high schools where they teach youngsters about
chemistry and perform live chemistry “magic shows.” Thus, Jason is “paying it forward” too.

Catalyst4success
has reached over 10,000 students this
year – just amazing! They have traveled
up and down the coast and have dedicated themselves to reaching as many
students as possible. Jason and his team fund the organization through
donations but the funds come mostly out of their own pockets.I didn’t write this posting intended to be a
call for donations but “What’s $20 anyway?” This is a chance for you to “pay it forward”
too! You can donate at their website catalyst4success.org – there is a donate
tab on the top right of the homepage.

I was
planning on teaching Jason about the importance of being a good mentor and role
model to others at the end of his internship…..but it looks like he’s got that
one covered. I hope that Jason will be
inspired at the end of his time here – I know that he has inspired me!

1 comment:

Awesome program. I think that these sorts of inquiry-based activities, where elementary and junior-high kids can experiment with items themselves, are essential for the development of an appreciation of science and research among the general population. It is too late to wait until high school or college to let people get their first taste of research.

Thanks for sharing the link.

-- Paul Bracher (not sure if this account signature is working properly)